Tagetes tenuifolia
| Tagetes tenuifolia | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Tagetes tenuifolia (common name: lemon marigold)
Propagation: Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Cultivation: Requires a well-drained moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in sandy soils[2].
There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[3].
The bruised foliage is perhaps more refreshingly aromatic than any other plant[4]. The lemon verbena-like smell remaining on the fingers for an hour or more after touching the plant[4].
Removing dead flowers before the seed is formed will extend the flowering season[2].
Plants are prone to slugs, snails and botrytis[2].
Grows well with tomatoes[5].
Range: C. and S. America - Mexico to Guatemala.
Edibility: The flowers of some cultivars have a pleasant citrus-like flavour and can be used sparingly as a flavouring in salads, sandwiches, wines etc or used as a garnish[3].
Usage: Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs, they also have an effect against some persistent weeds such as couch grass[[6][5][1]. The plant also has an effect on asparagus beetle and bean weevils. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing.
A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[7].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Also Known As: T. signata.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ Philbrick, Helen and Richard Gregg. Companion Plants. Watkins, 1979.
- ↑ Buchanan, Rita. A Weavers Garden.